Chinese Probe Enters Lunar Orbit

Chinese Probe Enters Lunar Orbit

www.space.com

A Chinese satellite successfully entered lunar orbit Monday, a month after rival Japan put its own probe into orbit around the moon, but Chinese officials denied there was any competition between the two nations.

The timing of the launches raises the prospect of a space rivalry between the two Asian nations, with India possibly joining in if it carries through on a plan to send its own lunar probe into space in April.

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[edit on 6-11-2007 by anhinga]

Articles mentions the probe has passed the "most difficult" part of its operation so far, how the lunar lander is set to be on the Moon by 2012 and the photos ETA:

The 5,070-pound satellite is expected to transmit its first photo back to China late this month.

www.space.com
(visit the link for the full news article)